Why Everyone Falls in Love with Los Arcos (and You Probably Will Too)
- Boat and Bay
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
If you’re heading out on a private yacht trip from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, you’ll probably hear your captain mention a stop at Los Arcos — and trust us, you’ll want to say YES.
What is Los Arcos?
Imagine three majestic rock formations rising out of the Pacific, arching like giant stone bridges. Now sprinkle in some magic — because these beauties aren't just rocks. From a distance, they shimmer like gold, and one even looks like a giant turtle if you squint just right. That’s Los Arcos: iconic, mysterious, and full of life.
What’s So Special About It?
First of all: the fish. Loads of them. Bright, colorful, beautiful fish that swim right beneath your boat or around you if you decide to hop in for a snorkel. No pressure, though — you can stay on deck and still enjoy the view.
There’s also an exclusive snorkeling area marked off just for swimmers — no boats allowed inside. That means it’s a safe, calm place for you and your group to float around like happy sea otters.
Pelicans, sea birds, and the occasional dolphin often join the scene too. In season, turtles hang around and if you’re super lucky, a whale might just pass by and wave (well, kind of). And at night? If you’re there at the right time, you might witness a rare phenomenon called bioluminescence. It’s like the ocean turns into a scene from Avatar — glowing blue lights all around your body as you move in the water. Unreal!
Pro tip: Bioluminescence is most visible on very dark nights, when there’s little moonlight, in the warmer months. And no, we can't promise it, but when it happens — wow.
Let’s Talk Rules (Because This Place is Protected!)
Los Arcos is part of a protected marine park, so a few things are non-negotiable:
Life jackets are mandatory while swimming or snorkeling.
No climbing on the arches!
No loud music or screaming — this is nature’s VIP lounge.
No feeding the fish.
Yachts can approach as closely as safely possible, but without getting too cozy with the rocks. Captains know how to get the perfect angle for those Instagram-worthy photos.
No jet-skis at Los Arcos are allowed— this area is all about peace, nature, and gentle sea turtles, not engines. But don’t worry, adrenaline-lovers — you can ride jet-skis nearby at Playa Paredón, just around the corner. We even offer jet ski rentals that can be delivered straight to your yacht. So if you want to feel the wind in your hair after snorkeling with tropical fish, just let us know when you book your yacht — and we’ll handle the rest.
How Long Should I Stay?
Typically, we hang around for about 40 minutes. Just enough time for a good snorkel, bird watching, and that must-have group photo.
How Much Time Do You Need for a Trip to Los Arcos?
From Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta:
Book at least 4 hours – this covers your roundtrip and time to snorkel, soak in the views, and snap those iconic “I was here” pics.
From La Cruz:
You’ll need a minimum of 5 hours to get the full Los Arcos experience without rushing the magic.
From Punta Mita:
6 hours or more is ideal.
These are the charter durations you’ll want to book to visit Los Arcos comfortably, including cruising time and time to anchor, swim, snack, and enjoy the spot. Trust us — the hours fly by when you’re out there!
What If I Don’t Want to Swim?
No problem at all. After soaking up the view at Los Arcos, we often head to Playa Paredón — a stunning little beach where the yacht anchors, and you can chill on a floating mat, sip your beer, and watch the cliff jumpers do their thing. It's all about relaxing your way.
A Few Important Tips Before You Dive In (Literally)
While Los Arcos is absolutely stunning, the ocean has its moods — and we always respect her temperament. If the waves are rough (which is more common in the afternoons), we recommend skipping the swim and just enjoying the view from the yacht. Your captain is your ocean-savvy guide — follow their lead and check marine conditions before jumping in.
💡 Fun Fact: On calm days and during the right season, the water at Los Arcos turns unbelievably clear — we’re talking crystal-clear, postcard-perfect, “I can see fish from the deck!” kind of clear.
Fun Route Option: The Scenic South
Leaving from Marina Vallarta? We’ve got a killer route. Cruise the coast past the Malecon, snap pics of Los Muertos Pier, wave at Conchas Chinas, glide by Garza Blanca and Playa Palmares, and arrive at Los Arcos feeling like royalty. Afterward, hit up a beach like Majahuitas or Quimixto to enjoy lunch, drinks, and some laid-back swimming. On the way back, we’ll take the outer route where the mountains dominate the view — peaceful and grand.
Final Thoughts
Los Arcos is more than just a stop — it’s a vibe. A magical, photo-worthy, fish-filled moment in your Puerto Vallarta adventure that you’ll remember long after your tan fades.
So go on, say yes to Los Arcos. We’ll bring the gear, the cold drinks, and the local know-how. You bring your people, your swimsuit, and a sense of adventure.
Let’s make your yacht trip unforgettable.
Want to book a yacht trip that includes Los Arcos? Just say the word — we’ve got options that fit your style.
Contact us! boatandbayvallarta@gmail.com
Phone / Whatsapp: +52 322 164 0837
